Detectives recover pistol used in assassination of MP Charles Were

Detectives have recovered the pistol used in the killing of Kasipul Member of Parliament Charles Ong’ondo Were, confirming it was also used in a series of other armed robberies in Nairobi and Kiambu counties.

The breakthrough, as announced by Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, came after a raid on Tuesday night in the Chokaa area of Kayole, where officers recovered two pistols, a bag, and a pair of shoes.

Addressing the media on Thursday, IG said one of the weapons, a Sarsilmaz pistol, has been confirmed through ballistic tests as the murder weapon used to shoot the MP on April 30, 2025.

“The ballistic report we have received unequivocally links the Sarsilmaz pistol, recovered from the residence of one of the suspects, to the fatal shots that took his life, “ he said.

So far, a total of ten suspects have been arrested in connection with the crime.

Among them are the MP’s driver and bodyguard, who were taken into custody shortly after the incident to assist with investigations.

Police say some of the suspects belong to the “Mjahidini” gang, which is linked to a string of violent robberies in Nairobi’s Eastlands.

The MP was shot on April 30, 2025, at around 7:40 PM while driving in a white Toyota Crown along Ngong Road, near City Mortuary.

His vehicle had stopped at a red light when a motorcycle carrying two people pulled alongside. One of them walked to the passenger side of the car and fired multiple shots before fleeing.

The MP’s driver and bodyguard rushed him to Nairobi Hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival.

An autopsy conducted by Chief Government Pathologist Dr. Johansen Oduor revealed that the MP was hit by five bullets, all from the left side.

Two bullets were recovered from his body, and a third was found in the vehicle. These, along with other exhibits, were taken for ballistic analysis.

As a result, Detectives from the DCI Homicide Bureau, with support from forensic experts at the National Forensic Laboratory, launched an intensive investigation.

They gathered surveillance footage showing movements before and after the attack, tracked a vehicle used by the suspects, and recovered money believed to be linked to the killers.

Four of the suspects were arraigned on May 5 at the JKIA Court, where police were granted 30 more days to continue investigations. The case will be mentioned again on June 5.

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Two other suspects were arrested shortly after and led officers to the Kayole residence, where the weapons and other items were found.

“The firearm used to kill the MP has also been implicated in three separate robbery incidents across Nairobi and Kiambu Counties, with the most recent crime occurring on April 26,” Kanja revealed.

Police say they are still following more leads and expect to make more arrests. “We will continue to pursue all leads, analyse forensic evidence, and ensure that all perpetrators are brought to justice,” said the Inspector General.

Kanja also thanked members of the public for sharing valuable information.

“We are grateful for the cooperation of Were’s family, friends, and members of the public, whose valuable information has driven significant progress in this investigation,” he said.

The National Police Service is urging anyone with more information to report to the nearest police station or use their toll-free numbers 999, 112, or #FichuaKwaDCI (0800 722 203).